Scotland Women secure World Cup play-off as head coach admits: 'We can't miss the opportunity'

Through to the women’s World Cup play-offs, Scotland have a squad capable of impressing on that stage, according to manager Pedro Martinez Losa, but he warns that unless they keep up the pace when it comes to improving standards, they could easily be left behind again.

On Tuesday night, group rivals Hungary lost to Ukraine, rendering Scotland safe in second place and securing themselves one of the play-off spots that will determine the final line up for the tournament, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand next summer.

It left the squad and staff exchanging excited calls and messages but while the celebrations were well-earned, their boss says there is still plenty of work to be done to see them over the line. And, even then, intent on making it a regular four-yearly appointment with the global elite, he says they will need to keep raising their game again and again.

“We have to use every major tournament to make sure we have more girls wanting to play football, more resources and more professional. That will mean we're doing a good job. We all want to qualify for the World Cup, and nobody more than me – and the players.

“I think from our position we have to make sure that we always work at the highest standard.

“The second step is working with the clubs, and the league, and the whole game in Scotland. The new changes to professionalism are very positive and the more players we have being professional, with access to programs, access to world class facilities, good coaches, and good competition, will help. That recipe is not very difficult. And it looks like we are all working towards that.

“But we have to be aware that the game is taking off, it is flying, so we have to improve and progress as fast as the